NH officials predict visitor and spending increase

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire tourism officials are predicting an increase in visitors and spending this Memorial Day weekend, though the outlook is not as optimistic as it was last year.

Citing a report by the Institute for New Hampshire Studies, tourism officials say they expect more than a half million visitors from out of state during the holiday weekend — a 1 percent increase over last year. They anticipate those visitors will spend upwards of $88 million — more than a 2 percent increase over last year.

Division of Travel and Tourism director Lori Harnois says many of the state's parks, attractions and businesses are opening for the season this weekend.

"New Hampshire is a great place to get away to for the long weekend," Harnois said.

Officials say most of the visitors come from New England and New York, although they are also expecting an increase in visitors from Canada.

Last year officials predicted a 2 percent increase in visitors and a 5 percent increase in spending.

Memorial Day weekend is considered the fourth busiest holiday period of the year for tourism in New Hampshire.